Day 1: Monday, August 31, 2026: Departure from CLE
We depart from Cleveland today on our overnight international flight to Israel, beginning our journey to the land where the events of Scripture unfolded in real places and real history.
Day 2: Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Arrival Day – Tel Aviv
We arrive in Israel today and transfer to Tel Aviv. After checking into our hotel, we settle in and enjoy dinner together. Overnight Tel Aviv area. Grand Beach Hotel or similar. D.
Day 3: Wednesday, September 2, 2026: Northern Nature & Border
We begin our day at Caesarea by the Sea, the great Roman port built by Herod the Great and later the administrative center of Roman Judea. It was here that Cornelius became the first Gentile convert to Christianity and where the Apostle Paul stood trial before Roman authorities. After lunch, we continue north to Rosh Hanikra, where dramatic limestone cliffs and sea grottos mark Israel’s northern border. We then travel to Mount Arbel, where sweeping views overlook the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding region. Overnight in the Sea of Galilee area. Emily’s Boutique Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 4: Thursday, September 3, 2026: Galilee Biblical Sites
Today, we visit Caesarea Philippi, the setting of Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and where Jesus declared, “On this rock I will build My church.” We continue to Tel Dan, near the headwaters of the Jordan River and associated with Israel’s tribal history. After lunch featuring St. Peter’s Fish (included), we visit the Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally recognized as the site of the Sermon on the Mount. We then continue to Chorizim, one of the Galilean towns rebuked by Jesus for unbelief, followed by Capernaum, His ministry headquarters along the Sea of Galilee. We conclude the day at Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Overnight Sea of Galilee area. Emily’s Boutique Hotel or similar. B, L, D.
Day 5: Friday, September 4, 2026: Lake & Swim + Transfer
We begin the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, recalling the calling of the disciples and the miracles performed on these waters. We then visit the Ginosar Museum (external views, no admission) before continuing to Nazareth Village, offering insight into daily life during the time of Jesus. In the afternoon, we travel to Gan HaShlosha (Sakhneh) for Baptism at Gan HaShlosha and Swimming. We then drive south to Jerusalem, enjoy dinner, and check into our hotel. Overnight Jerusalem. Prima Kings Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 6: Saturday, September 5, 2026: Desert Adventure Day
We travel to Masada, the desert fortress overlooking the Dead Sea and a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance during the Roman period. We continue to Jericho before visiting Ein Gedi, an oasis in the Judean Desert where David once hid while fleeing from King Saul. After lunch, we visit Qumran, the site associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls, before concluding the day with a float in the Dead Sea (conditions permitting). Overnight Jerusalem. Prima Kings Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 7: Sunday, September 6, 2026: Jerusalem + Mahane Yehuda
We begin the day at the Temple Mount and Western Wall, the most sacred area in Judaism. We continue to the City of David, including the Pool of Siloam and Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and walk the Pilgrim’s Path used by ancient worshipers ascending to the Temple. We then visit the Southern Steps and the Pool of Bethesda. In the afternoon, we explore the Jewish Quarter, including the Burnt House Museum, before concluding the day at Mahane Yehuda Market for local street food. Overnight Jerusalem. Prima Kings Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 8: Monday, September 7, 2026: Bethlehem, Herodium, Yad Vashem
Today, we travel to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus. We continue to the Shepherds’ Field, traditionally associated with the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. After lunch, we visit Herodium, Herod the Great’s palace-fortress, followed by a visit to the Holocaust museum. Overnight Jerusalem. Prima Kings Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 9: Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Christian Jerusalem & Mt. of Olives
We begin the day at the Garden Tomb, reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus. From the Mount of Olives, we take in views overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem before visiting the Garden of Gethsemane, including nearby caves associated with Jesus’ final hours before His arrest. We then walk the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, traditionally identified as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. After lunch, we enjoy a walk near Jaffa Gate. Your flight home may depart either tonight or the following day. If the following day and an overnight are required, overnight Jerusalem. Prima Kings Hotel or similar. B, D.
Day 10: Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Depart Israel; Arrive back at home
Your flight home may depart the previous night or today. If today and time allows, breakfast is included today. Either way, later today we will arrive back in Cleveland.